Let’s get something out of the way before the avocado-toast crowd starts waving their phones at me.

Social media is useful. There, I said it. It can be brilliant for visibility, engagement, and the occasional ego boost when someone shares your latest “special offer” with a thumbs up and a heart emoji.

But – and this is a big but – if you’re relying solely on social media to drive people to your business, you’re basically building your empire on someone else’s land. And that land is owned by Silicon Valley behemoths who wouldn’t notice if you vanished into the digital abyss tomorrow.

You’re Not the Customer. You’re the Product.

Let’s talk Meta. Or Facebook, as it used to be called before it tried to sound like a villain from a Marvel movie. You’ve probably got a business page there, and maybe even an Instagram account with carefully curated photos of your handmade soy candles or your artisan beef jerky.

But here’s the thing – you don’t own any of it.

Your page? That’s just a squatter’s tent on Zuckerberg’s lawn. And he can kick you off any time he pleases. No warning. No explanation. One day you’re posting about your new stock, and the next? “Your account has been suspended for violating community guidelines.” What guidelines? Who knows. They won’t tell you. They won’t talk to you. They won’t even acknowledge your existence.

Need help? Tough. Meta doesn’t have customer service. It has forums. You know, the place where desperate people shout into the void hoping someone with a keyboard and a caffeine addiction might offer a clue.

Google? Same Circus, Different Clowns.

Google is just as bad. You could have a slick Google Business listing, glowing reviews, and even show up on Maps. But again – it’s not yours. If they decide to change the algorithm or roll out some update with a name like “Possum” or “Moose” or “Giraffe in a Hat,” your visibility could vanish overnight.

And again, there’s no one to call. No email. No human. Just forms, AI bots, and a lovely message that says, “Thank you for your feedback” – which, translated, means “bugger off – we don’t care.”

Take the Reins: Get a Website.

This is why, if you’ve got any sense whatsoever, you need your own website. Your domain. Your hosting. Your rules.

A website is your digital home – not a tent in someone else’s garden. You control the content, the branding, the messaging, and most importantly, the customer journey. It’s where people can buy your stuff, book your services, or just find out what you actually do, without being distracted by dancing cats and someone’s lunch.

Better yet, it’s where you can build credibility. Nothing says “I’m a proper business” like a well-built site with a clear call to action and contact details that don’t involve sending a DM into the abyss.

Social Media Should Support – Not Replace – Your Website.

Use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – whatever – but use them to feed people into your website. That’s the mothership. That’s where the sales happen. That’s where you build trust, answer questions, and own the experience.

Social media is a tool, not a foundation. Rely on it alone, and you’re one algorithm tweak away from digital oblivion.

Final Thought

If you wouldn’t run a shop without owning the building, don’t run your business without owning your digital space.

Because when the social media giants change the rules – and they will – the only safe bet is to have a place of your own.

And no, Zuckerberg isn’t invited.

Want help building that rock-solid digital base? Let’s talk websites – the kind you own.

Let me ask you something.

Have you ever walked into a shop, ready to throw money at something you don’t need, only to find not a single person behind the counter?

No signs. No help. Nothing. You’d probably walk out. Fast.

That’s exactly what it feels like when your website doesn’t have a Call to Action.

What is a Call to Action?

In plain English, it’s the flashing neon sign that screams, “DO SOMETHING!” It could be a ‘Get a Quote’ button. A ‘Buy Now’ link. A ‘Book a Free Consult’ badge. It’s the bit that turns a passive browser into a customer, a lead, or at the very least, a name on your email list.

It’s not optional. It’s not decorative. It’s what gives your website a pulse.

But Why Do I Need One?

Simple. Because the whole point of your website isn’t to just sit there looking pretty – it’s to do something. Sell a product. Get a booking. Build a subscriber list. Whatever the end goal is, you’re not going to get there with vague copy and a contact page buried deeper than Pharaoh’s tomb.

People don’t have time to dig. We live in a world where if your site doesn’t grab attention in under ten seconds, the visitor’s already back on Google finding someone else who does know what they want them to do.

So ask yourself:

What do I actually want visitors to do on my site? Can they do it in one click? Is it obvious?

If the answer to any of those is “Um…” then no, your website is not doing its job.

Where Should I Put It?

Front and centre. Slap bang at the top. Above the fold. Think of your Call to Action like your best employee – it should be greeting people the second they arrive.

And here’s the kicker: it needs to follow them around. In 2025, we’re no longer limited to static banners. We’ve got sticky buttons, floating menus, mobile-optimised popups, and slide-ins that politely (or not-so-politely) ask for attention. And they work. If someone scrolls halfway down your homepage without seeing how to contact you, that’s a design fail, not a customer issue.

Put your CTA where their eyes are – top right on desktop, centre screen on mobile, and everywhere in between.

Final Thought

Do me a favour. Open your website right now. Pretend you’re not you – you’re someone who’s never heard of your business. Does the site clearly, unambiguously tell you what to do next?

If not, congratulations – you’ve just found your next five-minute fix that could double your leads. Now go fix it. And make it obvious.

Let’s clear something up straight away.

When people say ChatGPT, most think of a glorified Siri — something that rattles off facts or tells you what the capital of Peru is. But if you’re a small business owner and you’re still treating ChatGPT like a party trick, you’re missing out on what is possibly the most useful bit of tech since email.

This isn’t just some chatbot with clever small talk. This is a full-blown digital Swiss Army knife, and if you’re running a business on your own (or close to it), this thing can be the difference between staying up late trying to write your “About Us” page — or being done before your coffee goes cold.

Let’s get into it.

It Writes the Words So You Don’t Have To

You know that feeling when you should be updating your Facebook page or writing a newsletter, but instead you’re checking the fridge for inspiration? ChatGPT doesn’t get writer’s block. Give it a rough idea — “write a product description for our new tropical fruit soap” — and boom, it’s done. And not in a generic, beige way either. It can write in your tone, your style, and even throw in a bit of cheek if that’s your thing.

It’s like hiring a copywriter who doesn’t take lunch breaks and never replies with “just circling back on this.”

It Handles the Boring Bits

Policies. Emails. Bios. Refund instructions. These are the jobs we all dread, and guess what — ChatGPT lives for it. Want a neat, polite response to a grumpy customer who didn’t read your shipping times? Done. Need a returns policy that sounds like it came from a law firm but doesn’t send people to sleep? Easy.

Instead of starting with a blank page, you start with a draft that’s 90% of the way there. Tweak it, brand it, post it — done.

It Thinks Before You’ve Had Time to Panic

You don’t always have a marketing team or a room full of experts. Sometimes it’s just you, and the internet, and a vague sense you should be doing something. Ask ChatGPT. “What’s a good promotion for EOFY?” “What’s a better headline for this flyer?” “What’s the difference between a landing page and a home page, and do I need both?”

It’ll answer — clearly, and without a trace of condescension — and if you want, it’ll follow up with examples, checklists, or even a step-by-step plan.

So What’s the Catch?

None, really — other than the fact you have to get used to using it. ChatGPT isn’t going to run your business. But it will help you run it better, faster, and with fewer headaches. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a genuinely useful tool for anyone juggling too many jobs at once — which, let’s be honest, is pretty much every small business owner ever.

If you’re not already using it, you should be. And if you don’t know where to start, we’re happy to show you.

There comes a time in every business owner’s life when the spark vanishes.

One minute you’re full throttle, dreams blazing like a V8 on a straight stretch — and the next? You’re stuck in first gear, sipping lukewarm coffee and pretending spreadsheets are exciting.

It happens. Even to the best of us. And let me tell you, staring blankly at your inbox hoping motivation magically appears is about as useful as fitting a spoiler to a mobility scooter.

So, if your Business Mojo is running on fumes, here are five quick-fire ways to slam it into reverse, kick the tyres, and get your engine revving again.

1. Get Off Your Butt and Move

Yes, I know. This is a business blog, not a gym ad. But here’s the brutal truth — if you’re sitting on your backside all day hoping the Muse of Innovation will show up with a latte and a list of marketing ideas, she won’t.

Go for a walk. Break a sweat. Punch a punching bag (legally). Movement clears the fog, kicks the cortisol to the curb, and makes you feel more human. Plus, it gives you an excuse to listen to…

2. Podcasts – The New Fuel Injection for Your Brain

Think of podcasts as your pit crew — delivering inspiration straight to your ears while you jog, drive, or cry into your breakfast burrito.

There’s a podcast for everything now: business, motivation, AI, how to turn your side hustle into an empire, and probably one on how to sell expired cheese on Etsy. Try Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or even YouTube — yes, Gen Z listens at 1.5x speed like they’re defusing a bomb, but you don’t have to.

Some standouts in 2025?

• The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
• The Tim Ferriss Show (still going strong)
• Foundr for startup-minded maniacs
• And Business Wars if you like your learning with a side of drama.

3. Read Something That Doesn’t Make You Sleepy

No, not an email. A book. You remember those — papery things full of ideas from people who’ve actually done the hard yards.

Forget dull business manuals. Go for the jugular with books like:

• “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight (Nike’s founder, not a footwear-themed superhero)
• “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber (still the bible of building a business that doesn’t own your soul)
• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear (if you want to start actually doing things instead of talking about them)
• Or even something off the wall like “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” – odd name, genius content.

These books won’t just motivate you — they’ll slap you across the face with the realisation that you’re not stuck. You’re just stale.

4. Talk to Actual Humans Who Get It

You know what’s worse than losing your mojo? Thinking you’re the only one who’s ever lost it.

Get out of your office cave and connect with other business owners. Doesn’t matter if they’re in the same industry or not — misery, inspiration, and caffeine are universal languages. Join your local business chamber, a digital mastermind group, or just grab coffee with someone who’s not your accountant.

Pro tip: avoid energy vampires — you want fellow fire-starters, not people who make Eeyore look upbeat.

5. Reflect — Not the Woo-Woo Kind, the Useful Kind Take a moment.

No, not to meditate on a mountain, just… think. Look at where you started. Dig up those early invoices, those grainy logo files, those “what was I thinking?” projects.

Progress is often invisible when you’re in it. But the second you step back and realise you’ve gone from “clueless and broke” to “still clueless but mildly profitable,” something clicks.

You haven’t lost your mojo. It’s just stuck under a pile of to-do lists and tax receipts.

Final Lap

Business burnout doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’ve been in the game long enough to earn it. And with the right kick in the tailpipe (or a podcast and a decent walk), you can get that business engine purring again.

Need help getting your spark back? Call Tropical Coast Web Design. We’ve been building, fixing, and revving up regional businesses since before TikTok was even born. And no, we don’t wear capes. But we do build websites that work — and we’ve got plenty of coffee.

Let’s be honest — the internet isn’t what it used to be.

It used to be dial-up tones, dancing baby gifs, and websites that looked like someone built them during a power outage. Fast forward to now, and things have changed a bit. AI is writing poetry, TikTok is shaping trends, and if your website hasn’t had a serious glow-up since the last season of Game of Thrones (the good seasons, mind you), then you, my friend, are in trouble.

Your website is your digital handshake. And if that handshake is crusty, slow, and smells vaguely of Windows 98, potential customers will run — not walk — to your competition.

So, how do you know if your website is in desperate need of a makeover? Here are five signs that scream “SEND HELP” louder than a teenager without Wi-Fi:

1. Your Website Looks Like It Was Built With a Chisel

We’re not saying your site is old, but it probably has a MySpace link on it somewhere. If your website design predates smartphones, Instagram, or the invention of avocado toast, it’s time to move on. Still using Flash? That died a noble death years ago. Built it in Microsoft Word? Congratulations — you’ve made a flyer, not a website.

Today’s web users expect fast, sleek, modern sites. Think: Tesla, not Commodore. If your competitors’ sites look like Ferraris and yours looks like a lawnmower with a modem strapped to it, it’s time for an upgrade.

2. It Doesn’t Work on a Phone (AKA Where Everyone Is)

Look around. Right now, there are more people scrolling on phones than talking to their own family members. Over 60% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Google now prioritises mobile-friendly websites in search results. That’s right — if your site doesn’t play nice with mobile, it’s basically invisible online.

It’s not just about shrinking stuff down to fit the screen — it’s about responsive design, thumb-friendly buttons, and not making people squint like they’re reading microfilm. If your site’s not mobile-ready, it’s the digital equivalent of a VHS tape.

3. You’ve Got Zero Social Media Integration

Social media isn’t just for influencers, food pics, or your Aunt Susan’s cat memes. If you’re running a business in 2025 and your website doesn’t show your social media activity, you’re missing a massive opportunity to show life, activity, and personality.

Today’s users expect to see your latest post, story, reel, or rant right there on your homepage. And if your Facebook feed stopped updating in 2019, people will assume you went out of business — or worse, that you don’t know what you’re doing.

4. Your Content Is Older Than the King’s Teacups

There’s nothing more depressing than visiting a blog with “Latest Post: March 2017” and a news section that hasn’t been updated since Tony Abbott was PM. It screams neglect. Like a shop with cobwebs in the window.

Fresh content builds trust. It shows you’re alive, active, and know what’s happening in your industry. And while we’re at it — ditch the stock photos from 2003. If your homepage still features someone in a Bluetooth earpiece, I’m calling the design police.

5. It’s About as Effective as a Screen Door on a Submarine

Let’s cut to the chase: if your website isn’t bringing in any new business, what’s the point? It’s like owning a Ferrari and never leaving the driveway — flashy, but utterly pointless.

Ask your customers how they found you. Was it your shiny site, or did they stumble across your dusty Yellow Pages ad? If you’re relying on smoke signals and carrier pigeons instead of your website, it’s time to sort it out.

Time for the Makeover? Call the Pros.

If any of this hit a little too close to home, don’t worry — we don’t judge. At Tropical Coast Web Design, we revive websites. We’ll dig into your dusty digital relic, assess the damage, and give you a clear, no-nonsense report — completely free.

So stop losing customers to websites that actually work. Give yours the makeover it deserves. Old sites belong in museums — not in front of your customers.

Now, I realise there are far more exciting things to do on the internet than updating your WordPress plugins. You could watch a documentary on the internal combustion engine, browse for classic Land Rovers, or even fall down a rabbit hole of obscure railway signalling systems. But if you’re running a WordPress website – whether it’s for your business, your blog, or a fan site for Spitfires – there’s something quite vital you really mustn’t ignore: plugin updates.

I can already hear the collective sigh. “Oh, come on, it’s working fine. I’ll do it next week.” Yes, I too have uttered these fateful words. But here’s the unfortunate truth – ignoring plugin updates is rather like putting off changing the oil in your car. It’s not very exciting, and you don’t see the consequences immediately, but neglect it long enough and something expensive, messy, and possibly smoky will happen.

So, why do plugins need updating?

WordPress plugins are like little Swiss Army knives – each one adds a new feature or improves functionality on your site. A gallery here, a contact form there, maybe even an SEO assistant that never stops nagging. They’re handy little tools – but they’re also bits of code. And, as with any software, they need regular tinkering to stay secure, compatible, and functional.

Plugin developers often release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or – most importantly – patch security vulnerabilities. If you don’t install these updates, it’s a bit like leaving the front door of your house open with a big sign that says “Come on in, hackers!”

What can go wrong if you don’t update?

Well. For starters, outdated plugins are one of the top reasons WordPress websites get hacked. A single vulnerability in an old plugin can provide a nice little back door for malicious bots and their unsavoury human creators. Once inside, they can deface your website, steal customer data, or fill your blog with links to highly questionable products. Not ideal.

Then there’s the issue of compatibility. WordPress itself receives updates regularly, and if your plugins haven’t been updated to match, things can break. Buttons stop working. Pages don’t load properly. And suddenly your online store looks like it was built by someone who’s never used the internet before.

And if the idea of losing visitors or sales doesn’t alarm you, how about this: in the worst-case scenario, an outdated plugin can cause the dreaded White Screen of Death. No warning, no explanation – just a blank screen where your website used to be. Lovely.

But updating seems risky…

Yes, occasionally an update can cause issues, which is why it’s important to back up your site before hitting that button. But not updating is far riskier. And if you’re not confident, that’s what web developers are for. A little help now is much cheaper than emergency repair work later.

So please, for the love of well-maintained machinery, update your plugins. Regularly. Thoughtfully. And with a decent backup in place. It’s not thrilling – but then again, neither is a hacked website.

Let me paint you a picture.

You’ve got a new website. It’s shiny. It’s modern. It’s doing things that would make 1990s Bill Gates weep with envy. But then – BAM – your email pops up at the bottom of the page: bob_plumber88@hotmail.com.

Really? You’ve just driven a Ferrari into your future and parked it next to a bin fire.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Greg, it still works!” Yes. So does a fax machine. And carrier pigeons. But we’ve moved on – and if you’re running a serious business, it’s time your email address did the same.

Here’s why clinging to that ancient Gmail or Hotmail address is quietly ruining your credibility – and why switching to a proper business email might be the smartest thing you do this decade.

1. A Professional Email Makes You Look Like You Know What You’re Doing

Imagine getting an invoice from plumb_master69@hotmail.com. You wouldn’t trust that with your drain, let alone your credit card.

Using a free email screams “I’m doing this part-time in my garage” – even if you’re running a proper, full-time operation. If you want customers to take you seriously, you’ve got to look the part. A branded email like hello@cassowarycoastdining.com.au (fictional, don’t email it) says: “We’re legit. We’re organised. We probably even have uniforms.”

And that, my friend, inspires confidence.

2. People Can Actually Remember Your Email

Let’s talk about memory. You might remember the name of your first dog, your wedding anniversary, and which side of the bed you hate sleeping on – but jenny25301991xoxo@gmail.com? Not a chance.

Now swap that with jenny@townsvillecandles.com.au. Suddenly, it’s not only easy to remember, it’s basically free advertising. Every email you send is a mini billboard for your business.

So unless you enjoy repeating your email address five times on the phone, make it memorable.

3. A Bigger Image Without a Bigger Price Tag

Here’s the clever bit: a professional email address makes your business look huge. Even if it’s just you and your dog running the show.

You can have accounts@, support@, bookings@ – and it all funnels back to your inbox. Customers see this and think, “Wow, this must be a serious company.” You? You’re sitting in your home office with a coffee and no pants on.

Beautiful.

4. Promote Your Brand – Not Google’s

Every time you send an email from a Gmail or Hotmail, you’re promoting them. Not your business. Them.

But fire off an email from info@yourbusiness.com.au and guess who’s getting free advertising? That’s right – you. It’s simple. Every email you send should be doing some heavy lifting for your brand.

Making the Switch – Without the Drama

Now, I’m not saying you need to rip off the Band-Aid and delete your Gmail tonight. The changeover can be smooth, elegant, and free from the usual tech meltdowns.

Here’s the Clarkson-simple version:

1. Tell your customers. (Use MailChimp or just shout.)
2. Keep checking the old Gmail – don’t abandon ship.
3. Start replying from your new address.
4. Once the old address stops pinging, shut it down like a dodgy kebab van.

Need help making the leap? Get in touch with Tropical Coast Web Design. We’ll handle the switch so you can focus on running your empire – one properly branded email at a time.

Let’s be brutally honest: the world’s gone mad.

One minute we’re all arguing about the best place to get a meat pie, the next we’re hoarding toilet paper and attending staff meetings in our pyjamas over Zoom. Thanks, Covid.

But amid all this chaos, one truth has roared out louder than a V8 at Bathurst – if your small business isn’t online, it might as well be on Mars.

I live and work in Ingham – population: small, cane fields: plenty. And even here, in the tropical heart of North Queensland, the internet is king. You might have the best service, the friendliest staff, and a shopfront so charming it could make Bunnings weep – but if people can’t find you on Google, they’ll find someone else who is online. Possibly in another country. Possibly selling the same thing. Possibly cheaper.

Still not convinced? Fine. Let me spell it out with three simple reasons.

1. A Website Turns Your Business Into a 24/7 Money Machine

Imagine you’re tucked up in bed, dreaming of profits and fishing trips. Meanwhile, someone in Melbourne clicks “Add to Cart” on your website. Boom – you just made money in your sleep.

That’s the magic of an online store. No closing hours. No “Sorry, we’re shut” sign. Your products and services are now available to anyone, anywhere, anytime – whether they’re in Tully or Timbuktu. And thanks to modern shipping options, you can get those products to customers faster than a tradie on smoko.

Why would you settle for serving 5,000 locals when you could serve 5 million strangers?

2. Websites Let You Punch Well Above Your Weight

Back in the day, competing with the big boys meant massive budgets, flashy signage, and a marketing team larger than most school faculties. Today? All you need is a decent website.

With a clean layout, a clear call to action, and a sprinkling of actual customer service, you can look every bit as professional as the corporate juggernauts – without having to sell your ute to afford it.

Got quality products? Got a helpful team? Can you use a contact form without crying? Great – you’re ready to compete.

3. You Can Build a Loyal Following Without Leaving the Couch

Social media is no longer just for cat videos and political rants. It’s where your customers live – and more importantly, where they talk about you.

From customers flaunting your handmade earrings on Instagram to someone tagging their mum in your Facebook post about organic mango chutney, the word-of-mouth effect is turbocharged when your website and socials work together. Every hashtag, every retweet, every glowing review points back to one place: your business.

So what are you waiting for? A sign from above? (Spoiler: it’s this blog.)

If you’re a small-town business with big dreams, it’s time to stop playing it safe behind your counter and start playing to win online. Because in 2025, “no website” is the digital equivalent of saying, “I only take cheques.”

And that is not how you grow a business.

The idea of public speaking sends most small business owners into a cold sweat.

You’d rather scrub the office toilet with a toothbrush than stand in front of a room full of people, mic in hand, trying not to look like a malfunctioning wax figure.

But here’s the truth: if you want to grow your business — really grow it — you need to get comfortable with a bit of spotlight. Not the Hollywood kind, but the sort that puts you in front of the very people who could become your next loyal customers.

Who Should You Be Talking To?

Don’t bother with crowds that couldn’t care less about what you do. You want local business owners, community groups, industry meetups, networking breakfasts — anywhere people are trying to solve problems, learn things, or just escape their inbox for an hour with a muffin and a coffee.

Think of it this way: every person sitting in that room could be a customer, a referral, or someone who can open a door. And unlike an ad in the local paper or another shout into the social media void, public speaking gives you instant credibility. People trust the person with the microphone.

How Do You Get a Speaking Gig?

Simple: ask. No, really. Reach out to the organisers of business events, clubs, and groups. Offer to do a short, helpful talk that actually gives value — something like “5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Their Branding,” “How to Make Social Media Suck Less,” or even “What I’ve Learned Running a Business That You Shouldn’t Have to.”

Keep it real. Keep it relevant. And most importantly, don’t try to sell. If you sound like a walking ad, people will tune out faster than you can say “limited time offer.” But if you share real advice, stories, and the occasional laugh, they’ll remember you — and call you when they need help.

How Do You Speak Without Stuffing It Up?

Here’s the trick: don’t try to be a “motivational speaker.” No one wants that. Just be you, but louder. Tell stories. Make them laugh. Be honest about the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned. Use plain language, not jargon. And for heaven’s sake, keep the PowerPoint simple. No charts. No walls of text. No 2005 clip art.

The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to connect. Let them see the human behind the business. The one who gets it. The one they’d trust to do the job or solve the problem.

The Bottom Line?

Public speaking is free marketing that works. One presentation can land you more business than a month of boosted Facebook posts and fridge magnets combined.

So next time you’re invited to speak, say yes. Even if your knees are knocking and your voice shakes a bit — say yes. Because when people know who you are, what you do, and that you’re not a robot, they’re far more likely to buy from you.

And who knows? You might even enjoy it. (Okay, maybe not. But it will work.)

Let’s clear something up straight away – ChatGPT is not Google.

It’s not there to serve up a bunch of links you’ll never click, or tell you how tall Chris Hemsworth is (although yes, it can do that too).

ChatGPT is much more than that. It’s like having an entire team of experts crammed into your laptop — and they don’t ask for a lunch break or spend half the day in meetings that should’ve been emails.

But — and this is a big but — if you treat ChatGPT like it’s just a cleverer version of Ask Jeeves, you’re using about 2% of what it can actually do. That’s like buying a Ferrari and only using it to drive to the letterbox.

So, What’s the Trick?

To make the most of ChatGPT, you’ve got to think differently. Don’t ask it random one-liners like you’re shouting into the void. Instead, treat it like a collaborator — a consultant, even. Someone (or something) that can take on a specific role, understand the brief, and deliver results without muttering about their KPI dashboard.

Here’s how I use it. Whether I’m wrangling website code, whipping up social media ideas, or fixing WooCommerce problems that make grown men cry, I follow this dead-simple formula — and it works.

The Prompt Blueprint That Doesn’t Suck

1. Start with the Role
Tell ChatGPT who it needs to be.

“You are a business consultant…”
“You are a copywriter…”
“You are a web developer with 20 years of experience and a caffeine addiction…”

This sets the tone. Otherwise, it’ll respond like a shy librarian guessing wildly.

2. Clearly State the Task
Spell out what you want — properly.

“Write a 5-day meal plan…”
“Create a basic marketing plan for a homewares store…”
“Fix this CSS that’s making my website look like a dog’s breakfast…”

3. Give It Context or a Goal
This is where the magic happens. Tell it why you need the thing.

“…for busy mums with toddlers.”
“…for a business on a tight budget.”
“…for someone who thinks Excel is a type of dishwashing liquid.”

4. Specify the Format (Optional, but seriously, do it.)
Guide the output.

“Bullet points under 500 words.”
“Step-by-step guide.”
“Table format with deadlines.”

5. Set the Tone
Because no one wants a funeral speech when they asked for a blog post.

“Friendly and engaging.”
“Professional but supportive.”
“Like Jeremy Clarkson on a caffeine high.”

Put it all together…

You are a small business coach. Write a simple 1-page business plan for a new eco-friendly laundry service in regional Australia. It’s for a sole trader just starting out, and the tone should be supportive but professional. Use bullet points and keep it under 500 words.

Boom. That prompt will get you something usable — not some vague, AI-generated waffle about “synergising your scalable detergent solutions.”

So, next time you open ChatGPT, remember: you’re not talking to a search bar. You’re giving instructions to the world’s most versatile intern. Use it well — and it might just make you look smarter, faster, and dangerously efficient.

Now if it could only make coffee…